KUCHING: Step into the Borneo Symphony art show and you’d be in a space where you might unexpectedly feel like a blossoming artist while allowing you to embrace the heartfelt essence of the featured artist.
Jane Ling, adorned in an elegant dark blue blouse and khaki slacks, complemented by a delicate blue flower beaded necklace, presents her artwork titled ‘Everyday is Spring’ with warmth and humility. Her abstract creation weaves a captivating tale of the Borneo Highlands, capturing the exquisite beauty of the thunbergia myogenesis, also known as ‘ladies’ shoe vine flowers’ gently swaying in her garden.
Ling’s radiant smile illuminates her face as she enthusiastically recounts her extraordinary journey, both as an artist and as an individual.
But who is Jane Ling?
A distinguished artist in the Sarawak Artists Society (SAS) since 2015, Ling’s passion for art has been a lifelong pursuit, particularly in the realm of painting. However, it was only after her retirement that she fully embraced her artistic calling.
“Since I was young, I have always loved painting,” Ling reveals. “But during my time, very few artists were able to sustain a living by selling their art, so I was advised against pursuing art as a career.”
Her artistic inclination can be traced back to her father, who ignited her love for art despite his primary occupation as a businessman. Ling fondly recalls the vivid memories of her father’s painting prowess, especially his remarkable renditions of rubber trees from their family’s rubber garden.
“My father was the one who inspired me the most and sparked my interest in art,” Ling shares with a glimmer of nostalgia in her eyes. “Even now, I can vividly remember his paintings; they are etched in my mind.”
Art & Chemistry
Interestingly, Ling’s career path diverged from the arts, leading her to become a chemistry teacher, a profession she pursued for three decades in various schools across Sarawak. She sees a unique correlation between art and chemistry, as both require experimentation, a process she thoroughly enjoys.
“To tell you a little bit about myself, I was a chemistry teacher for 30 years, teaching at different schools in Sarawak,” Ling discloses. “To me, there is a connection between chemistry and art. In chemistry, we need to know what to add, what to mix, and in art, I like to experiment in a similar way.”
While chemistry wasn’t the catalyst for her profound love of painting, Ling reminisces about certain moments in her chemistry classes that evoked artistic imagery and inspiration.
“Did chemistry inspire me to become an artist? Not exactly, but there were occasions during chemistry lessons where I saw art, especially when we conducted chromatography experiments,” Ling said.
In her artistic creations, Ling refuses to be confined to a particular style of painting; instead, she fearlessly ventures into different techniques to craft her masterpieces. Within the exhibition, visitors are treated not only to Ling’s abstract paintings but also to her realistic portrayals of the sunrise and landscape of the Borneo Highlands, a testament to her love for experimentation and exploration.
“I do a lot of experimenting, and while I learn from some teachers, I usually continue in my style because I am someone who enjoys doing things differently,” Ling remarks with a cheerful laugh. “So, I would like to encourage you that even if you’re a scientist, you can paint!”
Hopes as a Sarawakian Artist
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Ling expresses her concern for the underappreciated talent in Sarawak due to the lack of exposure given to artists in the region. She believes that the establishment of a permanent art gallery in Sarawak, similar to those in Sabah or West Malaysia, would provide a space for artists to share their talents with the local community.
“As a Sarawakian, I have witnessed the abundance of talent in our state, and we have many members who are exceptionally gifted,” Ling laments. “However, the sad reality is that apart from our annual show, our work remains unseen because we lack a permanent art gallery in Sarawak.”
Hopeful for change, Ling expresses her aspirations for the local government and authorities to address this issue and create a space where artists can come together, paint, and proudly exhibit their work. She envisions the art gallery as a crucial tourist attraction that would not only promote the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak but also provide a platform for local artists to showcase their creativity to a broader audience.
“When tourists visit our region, one of the places they should be able to explore is the Sarawak art gallery,” Ling states. “In doing so, we not only promote Sarawak tourism but also contribute to the growth and recognition of our local artists.”
Borneo Symphony Art Show
The Borneo Symphony art show, held at the Spring shopping mall, coincides with the Sarawak Artists Society’s 38th anniversary. The exhibition aims to showcase the creations of its members and bridge the gap between art and the general public. Running from November 10 to November 26, the event features workshops, demonstrations, art forums, and talks hosted by esteemed artists from the society.
The show was inaugurated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who emphasized the significance of the arts and the diverse ways in which it can be expressed. Dr Sim acknowledged that art is not simply a reflection of culture and tradition but an integral part of life itself.
As part of the event, the Sarawak Artists Society also unveiled the Sarawak Artists Society Art Book 2023. This comprehensive compilation chronicles society’s evolution and showcases a directory of present artists along with a selection of their finest creations.
To catch a glimpse of the exhibition’s vibrant activities, art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Sarawak Artists Society’s Facebook page and immerse themselves in the captivating showcase of creativity crafted by the talented Sarawakian artists.
——————————————————-
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
